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I was involved in a dynamite blast in April 2008 that broke my arm and caused a lot of nerve damage. I was taken to the emergency room at Bonner General Hospital and Dr. DiBenedetto took excellent care of me. He removed the debris and began contacting neurosurgeons to repair the nerve damage. Despite at least two neurosurgeons recommending that my arm be amputated because of my age and the severe damage, Dr. DiBenedetto refused to accept this and got me in to see Dr. Anderson, a neurosurgeon in Spokane. Dr. Anderson performed a nerve transplant and skin graft, and I now have partial use of my right arm and hand again.
Dr. Anderson told me that part of the reason he was able to save my arm was because Dr. DiBenedetto had done such a good job of cleaning out the debris immediately after the accident. I can’t thank Dr. D. enough for all he did to help me keep my arm!
Betty Johnson
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I was admitted to Bonner General Hospital on Tuesday for surgery to replace my left hip. I remained at Bonner General Hospital recovering until Saturday.
I am writing to commend the staff of Bonner General Hospital for the excellent and exceptional care that I received while hospitalized. I would like to name names but I dare not lest I miss someone who deserves mentioning. The staff of Bonner General gave me very professional care while also being very kind and caring people. All the staff was truly wonderful from anesthesiology, respiratory therapy, the nursing staff, and physical therapy to business administration. They made my stay as absolutely pleasant as it could have been.
It has been one month since surgery and I continue to make excellent progress and I am pain free. I cannot express my thanks to the staff of Bonner General enough for their part in this.
Sincerely,
Harlow "Bud" McConnaughey
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My first experience with BGH has been very uneventful (as you'd hope a hospital stay would be). In fact, it bordered on being just wonderful! I had a total knee replacement in February 2010. It was necessary to stay at BGH for four days. In all this time I received nothing but the best care by ALL the staff--all the nurses, CNAs, student nurses, physical therapists and even the janitorial staff were very kind and friendly! Oh, the kitchen staff did a fine job too! I ate well. My surgery was performed by Dr. Doug Cipriano, who was very professional, talented, kind and personable. I am healing well and slowly gaining ROM (range-of-motion) in my knee even though this is very slow going and painful. I am determined to get this new knee up and working ASAP! Thank you for your part in this endeavor, Bonner General Hospital!
D. Byron Fausett
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Bonner General Hospital has played a major part in my family’s history and you have really endeared yourselves to us over the years. You have helped us over and over again in our times of need and have proved yourselves to be a great community hospital.
To start with, I was born there in 1965, in the old army barrack building that was floated across the lake. Then in ‘86 when my father had a huge heart attack, you saved his life. And again ten years later.
Then in ’98 you saved me. A condition called endocarditis which is a staph infection that attacks the heart’s valves almost killed me, yet your timely intervention, care and encouragement saw me through. In commemoration of that time, I drew the St. Bernard picture that now hangs in the med/surg hallway.
When 9-11 hit, I was there having surgery to remove my appendix. Dr. Neher started to talk to me about the space program I run at Priest River Elementary and before I could finish one sentence to answer a question he posed to me, I awoke and he had finished!
On Christmas Day in 2005, my father had his third heart attack and again you managed to save him. Although he only lived for one more month, I am very grateful for all you did to help him. In commemoration of his life, I drew the cougar picture.
Just recently, my baby daughter, who was born at Bonner General in December 2008 and delivered with the best of care and professionalism, came down with a severe case of RSV and yet again Bonner General Hospital acted quickly to care for her too! Finally, in celebration and appreciation of my baby’s miracles of life I drew a Nuthatch picture that resides next to the St. Bernard Picture in the med/surg hallway.
It is good to know that we have such a caring and skillful team right here in Sandpoint. And not just the medical staff – everyone from registration to the billing department has been wonderfully thoughtful throughout.
Thanks again for everything!
Chris Naccarato
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On January 7, 2009, I had partial knee replacement surgery and spent two nights in your hospital.
I would like to say that the service and care I received at every level, from admitting to discharge was superb. Your employees are conscientious, courteous, helpful, patient and cheerful and they know how to make a person feel comfortable. I have been in other hospitals out of state and they cannot even come close to your level of service.
If I were to rate your patient care on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best and 1 being the worst) I would give you a 10+.
Sincerely,
Dana A. Ring
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In May of 2009, I was charged with feeding my daugher and son-in-law's cat while they were on vacation, but (for some unknown reason) on the last day of feeding, he wrapped his front legs around my ankle and bit me! I could scarcely believe he bit me after all I'd done for him, but he did. Within hours it was obvious the bite became infected and after 24 hours of IV as an outpatient and with not enough progress, I was admitted [to Bonner General Hospital] for another 36 hours of IV's every six hours. During that time, the nursing staff treated me with tremendous concern and professional care. Every nurse and aid was professional, polite, and personal, but especially Ethan Wells, from whom I learned quite a lot.
Deanna James
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On April 3, I had my knee replaced at Bonner General Hospital, and I was so impressed with the care, concern and service that you provided. Also I was fascinated with the medical technology of the surgery and how much the hospital had to offer.
My good friend, Judy Meyers, volunteered to come and spend the first night with me just in case there was anything she could do. Judy teaches at the WSU College of Nursing. She had been in the room for about 15 minutes and replied that this was more nurses than she expected to see all evening. Both of us agreed that I had excellent care.
There is care, and then there is care that has a mission. Your staff really put their hearts into the job. On the second day, Ethan Wells came into the room and mentioned that he was going to call Dr. Cipriano and see if we could get the pain in control. About two hours later the pain was stabilized and I was on the way to feeling much better.
Medicine takes the entire team from the surgeon, physical therapy and food. You have a wonderful group who are proud of their services, confident in the ability to help and provide excellent care.
Diana M. Carlson
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I was recently a patient at Bonner General and really feel obligated and pleased to compliment the staff in general and single out the RNs overlooking my care. Unfortunately I don’t have all the names for which I’m sorry, but the following individuals and RNs on duty the day I left deserve a hearty WELL DONE!!! A big “atta boy” to Linda Bryce, Linda V. Kierskn, Jamis Cinday and Aletha Erika. If I didn’t know better, one might have thought I was “someone of importance.” Regardless of the names, you are to be complimented on the quality of healthcare you provide. Again, to use an old navy term, Bravo Zulu, meaning WELL DONE to all involved.
James M. Ford
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The staff was very prompt, very courteous, and made me feel good to be in the emergency room.
Nurses were very good at making me feel not scared and comfortable.
Dr. Wheeler was absolutely wonderful - took away any fears - was extremely good in my treatment and made me very much at ease.
They were all very comforting and caring.
They were all, at all times, mindful of my condition and apprehensions and put me at full ease and made me feel glad I was there.
Every single one I encountered was as good as it gets.
Margaret Vasquez
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Recently, my son Gabriel was hospitalized there at your facility, he was admitted through the ER late Friday night with severe pain in his abdomen. As it turned out, surgery was necessary for appendix removal the following morning; His stay was extended through the week due to infection. He is now recovering at home feeling just fine. I was present with him during his hospital stay and felt lucky for him to have had a successful recovery due to the circumstances.
I would like to thank you and your staff for the excellent care my son received while there at the Hospital, the Doctor(s) were always very professional. Their contacts with us were very reassuring. The nurses that provided care to my son were outstanding. I can't say enough how we appreciated them and their caring attitudes.
Thank you again,
Robert DesRosier
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Living in this area for more twenty years we have seen a lot of changes. Being a single mother of 6 children you can imagine that we have spent a fair amount of time in Bonner General Hospital. From sprained ankles, dislocated elbows to losing my daughter to cancer, we have had many opportunities to visit and or stay at Bonner General.
The most recent stay was when I decided to help my boys with my roof. Let's say it was not a good idea. At any rate, I fell off. Being about a 14 foot fall I didn't bounce very well. I dislocated my right shoulder, fractured my back and had a severe compound fracture of my left ankle.
From the ambulance ride to the emergency room to the operating room and then to my room, I was treated with the utmost care and concern. Everyone, too many to list here, treated me like a person--not a case, illness or subject. The nurses, doctors, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, radiology techs, kitchen staff and even housekeeping were all there to help me through my eight-day stay.
We in Sandpoint are ever so lucky to have a hospital of this caliber in our community. Within the last year BGH has received awards for their achievements such as being on the list of most "wired" hospitals in the northwest. One of the nurses who has spent countless time at BGH, Sharon, was honored for her dedication and achievements. She is truly an asset to the hospital community. Audrey, a dietician, as well has contributed many hours to making BGH at better place.
I was not the easiest patient because of my injuries, but at every road block there were many people there to help me over the hurdle--or the mountain, which ever the case may be. One poor soul had the unfortunate experience of coming in to ask how I was doing, to which I promptly responded by throwing up on him. Neither he nor I will ever forget that, but it brings chuckles now!
The people at Bonner General Hospital make our little piece of North Idaho a better place to live, knowing that the medical needs of the area will be taken care of. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Stephanie Wold
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I just wanted to comment on my visit to the ER in May. I think you should be very proud of the ER staff you have here at BGH. I don’t believe I could have received better care from Lori Garza, Lynn Olafson, Dr. Wheeler and Jon Hansen. They were all very professional and yet very friendly and soothing to me and my husband. I know it gives me a lot of pride to be working here.
I hope I NEVER have to use the ER again, but if I do, I will feel better about coming to BGH. (I don’t think I would care to go anywhere else.)
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what a great staff you have there.
Terry Miller
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On Sunday, July 25, my husband was transported to Bonner General via EMS because of a seizure and turning blue. We want to thank you all so much for the great care you gave him-especially Doug, his nurse, and Dr. Hitchcock. Though this was a very scary time, we are thankful that the Lord used you to care for him.
Frank and Kelly Francis
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I was very pleased with everything [during my stay], particularly your handling of my crisis in the operating room. Great job done by anesthetist Larry. Thank you for saving my life.
Don Wheeler
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My name is Dale Jeffres. I just recently returned home from a three and a half day stay at BGH after having a knee replacement. This has been one of those years that I’ve spent about as much time at BGH as I have with my wife. From chainsaw injuries, back injuries, three months of kidney stones, and knee replacement, I have encountered about every aspect of what our local hospital has to offer. The entire staff at BGH-emergency services, admitting, pre-op, imaging, the lab, physical therapy, an incredible nursing staff, nutritional/kitchen, housekeeping, home health, and even the goofy receptionist (Needie)-you have put together the most professional and caring staff of any other hospital that I know of. I keep hearing the same thing from more and more people. I’ve had stays at KMC and Sacred Heart. They are good facilities, but do not hold a candle to BGH. I just wanted to say thank you. You are one of the jewels that make our community one of the best places to live. I was born here in the old hospital fifty-nine years ago. A lot has changed, but the reason I live here hasn’t. Thank you BGH for keeping me going.
Respectfully, Dale Jeffres
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I cannot say enough good about the care I received at Bonner General Hospital during my two surgeries in October, 2010. Everyone from ICU to the second medical floor were awesome. I received not only great physical care but also great emotional support. I know that my steady, positive recovery is due to all the wonderful care I received. Two of our CNAs were outstanding-Cindy (last name escapes me) and Joy Mott. Also the respiratory therapist, Janet (?), was so great to visit with me and share some of her personal experiences she went through dealing with the same surgery I had. Anyway, many, many kudos to all the staff at Bonner General Hospital!!
Sheryl “Dee” Boeck
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